This Month
Rebates have not stopped energy debt rising almost 20pc
Despite billions of dollars being spent on federal and state energy rebates, more households and small businesses are struggling to pay their bills.
APRA’s risky lending crackdown is not the right remedy
The regulator knows it will be blamed if the housing market overheats or there is a crash. But its pre-emptive restrictions are not well targeted.
November
‘Never enough’: The issue voters care about most is not going away
Four years after it first emerged as an issue of major concern, cost of living continues to be the major focus of voter discontent.
APRA imposes debt-to-income limits on home loans for first time
The banking regulator is pushing to preempt a build up of riskier mortgage lending to both home owners and investors as borrowing – and house prices – grow.
October
Is the 40-year mortgage a path to wealth or a lifelong debt trap?
A longer home loan means smaller monthly repayments, but that comes with a huge catch.
September
Richer, older, lonelier: 5 charts that show how Australia has changed
The latest HILDA survey highlights cost-of-living pressures, the widening gap between renters and home owners, shifting family choices, and rising isolation.
July
HELP debt changes pass parliament. Here’s what you need to know
Labor has delivered on an election promise to trim tuition debt by 20 per cent, which should also increase borrowing power for many.
The graduates getting a winning deal on HECS debt relief
The government’s promised 20 per cent cut to student loans will most benefit students who are already on track to high incomes.
June
RBA tipped to cut rates to prop up ‘disappointing’ economy
GDP rose just 0.2 per cent in March as businesses cut back on investment, consumers watched their spending and limits on foreign students hit exports.
May
Big four banks pass on RBA cut in full
But ANZ, NAB and CBA said customers would need to contact them to actually reduce their direct-debit repayments.
Five steps to managing debt in a cost-of-living crisis
Calls to debt helplines are climbing, an early indicator of stress in the housing and other markets. Here’s how to get on top of debt before it bites.
April
Billionaire Tim Roberts falls behind on his bills
Perhaps the Multiplex heir was just surprised to get an invoice from a business other than Mineral Resources.
March
These two issues should frame the election. Don’t hold your breath
Tension between Australia’s cost-of-living crisis and our record household wealth lies at the heart of this federal poll. Real, long-term thinking is needed.
Households face up to 9pc power bill rise amid coal plant outages
But analysts warn that billions of dollars spent on rebates to woo voters are “sugar hits” that could be better spent on long-term solutions to the increases.
The six charts that show the consumer comeback is here
After two years of cutting back, Australians are finally loosening their purse strings as confidence rises. But a full-blown boom seems unlikely.
The three habits helping Australians build the most wealth
Amid record levels of economic inequality in Australia, a respected survey of household trends shows how average people are building their savings.
February
Big banks won’t automatically lower repayments after rate cut
NAB, CBA and ANZ require customers to “opt in” to get a reduction in monthly repayments, as lower interest rates were applied on Friday.
January
Private schools raise fees at three times rate of inflation
For a decade or more, private schools have increased their fees by far more than the CPI. This year is no different, and schools have a range of explanations.
7 revealing charts about wealth in Australia
The generational transfer of wealth in Australia is underway, but younger generations are struggling under the burden of high debts.
December 2024
HECS architect wants student debt ignored when assessing home loans
Bruce Chapman, who created the income-contingent loan system for students, has hit out at the political fiddling the system has faced.